There's alot of love going around Steiffgal's home lately as she and Steiffguy (yes, there is a Steiffguy) are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary this week. In Steiffgal's world, love is synonymous with dogs, as 'gal and 'guy share their roof with three of them!To share the loving feeling, here is a kennel of outstanding vintage Steiff bulldogs that Steiffgal has totally fallen in love with (oops... she means has seen sell recently at auction.) These three models are such great examples of Steiff's creativity, quality and humor. Just take a look at these blue ribbon bow-WOWS...!
First is this tiny cream and orange velvet Bully. This colorful canine is 10 cm, has a swivel head, big brown glass pupil eyes, and retains both his Steiff "ff" button and his metal-framed chest tag. This particular Bully model was produced from 1927 through 1935 and came in four sizes (7, 10, 14, and 17 cm) and three colors (black and white, blue and white, and orange and white). This design was very popular and was also produced in mohair around the same time. This precious puppy received 16 bids and sold for $721.00.
The next featured bulldog is a truly remarkable "tail turns head" model. This 23 cm Bully is somewhat lifelike looking, is made from tan colored mohair, and has a very sweet felt lined open mouth. (Steiffgal recognizes this endearing "feed me" expression from real life experience!) He features a working "tail turns head" mechanism, which was quite a technical advancement in the toy world at the beginning of last century! This Bully was produced from 1931 through 1935 and came in six sizes: 11, 15, 18, 23, 26, and 31 cm. This mechanical Bully received 9 bids and sold for $683.55. 
Finally, this baroque Bulldog is almost as rare as the breed in real life! This proud pup stands 18 cm tall, is made from tan mohair which has been detailed with black airbrushing, has a swivel head, googly eyes, and an open pink felt lined mouth with two "canine" teeth. He sports a horsehair ruff, a "high society" accessory with origins in Elizabethan times. This highly sought after Steiff collectible is a US exclusive and was produced from 1956 through 1961 only. He received 26 bids and sold for $455.00.They say that dogs are a (wo)man's best friend. I would tend to disagree, and nominate Steiffguy for this title, at least this week! Thank you for the 20 years (or 140 in dog years) of love and friendship and here's to the next 20, and the next 20, and 20 more after that...
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